Zoo Animal Technology, A.S.

Program Overview

Are you passionate about animals? Do you want to save the world and make a difference for wild animals in wild places? Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology program is the premier education path for zoo animal professionals. To facilitate this training, Santa Fe College has its own zoo, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, located on the college’s Northwest Campus and accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Set in a naturally wooded environment, the 10-acre facility is open to the public and has a diverse collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Supervised by the professional staff of the SF Teaching Zoo, you gain hands-on experience in every aspect of zoo animal management, from daily care, to habitat construction and maintenance, to educating the public. Our students are not assistants to anyone; they are our zookeepers.

Graduates of the Zoo Animal Technology program are awarded an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. Our graduates occupy positions in zoos, aquariums, aviaries, wildlife parks, conservation organizations, veterinary clinics, science museums and animal care facilities around the United States and the world. Program graduates are contributing to the field through their leadership, dedication and professional training.

Find your niche, learn to go beyond the day-to-day operations of zoos and become a conservation champion!

Time to Completion

Five (5) consecutive semesters including one weekend day per week, holidays and breaks between semesters.

Average Salaries*

• Zookeeper: $32,903
• Animal Trainer: $32,782
• Aquarist/Marine Mammal Specialist: $34,722
• Assistant Aquarist/Marine Mammal Specialist: $30,063
• Zoo Educator: $34,617

*Association of Zoos and Aquariums Member Compensation Survey 2016

Prerequisites

• High School Diploma or equivalent by the class start date
• Apply to and be accepted by Santa Fe College
• Complete or test out of MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra)
• Complete or test into ENC1101
• Have a 2.0 overall GPA in all college-level classes

Program Performance Standards

Zoo Animal Technology program applicants should possess sufficient physical, motor, intellectual, emotional and social/communication skills to provide for animal care, safety, utilization of equipment, guest interaction and proper team relationships. Some of the performance standards for the program are outlined below. This list is by no means complete, but should give potential students an understanding of what is to be expected. If a potential student believes they do not possess these skills or abilities, please contact the Zoo Animal Technology program adviser before applying to the program.

• Work around potentially dangerous animals
• Handle a variety of food items including meat, rodents, insects and fish
• Safely handle, grasp and restrain collection animals
• Move around our 10-acre outdoor facility safely and quickly, maneuver in small spaces, lift and carry 50 pounds, stand for hours and be physically flexible
• Auditory ability and visual function sufficient to observe and assess animal needs
• Learn, reason, assimilate and understand a wide variety of subjects
• Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform animal care
• Handle plant material
• Safely work around moving machinery
• Handle marked changes in outside temperature, humidity and rainfall; ability to work in dusty, windy and hot conditions
• Cope with demands that are associated with the job and/or work environment
• Have access to reliable transportation
• Manage bites, stings, scrapes, bumps, bruises and abrasions

Fifty-pound weight test

All students entering the Zoo Animal Technology program will be tested on their ability to lift 50 pounds safely to their shoulder and carry the item for 50 feet. The test will be given on their first day of Basic Keeper Laboratory (PAZ1310L) prior to the withdraw deadline. Any student that fails to show that they can complete the test will be dropped from all Zoo Animal Technology program courses and not allowed to continue in the program at that time. In this instance, a student may schedule a retest at a later date (Three months). A successful demonstration of the exam will be required before a student will be allowed to enroll in the next available incoming class.

For the actual test, the student is required to properly life a 50-pound bag of dry animal feed from the ground to their shoulder, while in a kneeling position. Next, stand up with the bag balanced on your shoulder and walk with the bag for 50 feet. Finally, carefully lower the bag back down to the ground. During the exam, the instructor will also be watching for any signs of physical challenges that would jeopardize your safety in the program.

Demonstration of 50-pound weight test.

Housing

SF does not offer on-campus housing so you must make your own housing arrangements. Off-campus housing is readily available in Gainesville, a college town that is home to the University of Florida as well as SF. Here is a link that you can check for housing: Gainesville Apartments and Condominiums.

Dress Code

Working in a zoological park requires that you dress in a practical, safe and professional manner. Not only do you have to avoid animal hazards such as having your damaged shirt grabbed or having earrings ripped out of your ears, but you must dress in a manner that is acceptable to the public.

As animal professionals, we have very important messages to share with the public (i.e., conservation issues for animals). When we speak with the public, we do not want jewelry, extreme hairstyles or tattoos to be a distraction from our message. Some dress styles or hanging jewelry could be hazardous and create a safety issue when dealing with wild animals.

We have created this dress code based on the standards that are accepted in the zoo field, but also with the common sense to realize that most college students cannot afford to purchase several sets of uniforms. We will provide a specific list of items that need to be acquired for your uniform. Most of the items on the list may already be in your possession. If all the items are purchased new, you should plan to spend about $100.

The following are things that you need to know will not be allowed while working in the Teaching Zoo:

• Tattoo. Some facilities will not hire employees that have exposed tattoos. While in the zoo, all tattoos must be completely covered.
• Extreme Styles. Avoid extremes in style, including hairstyles, hair color (all hair color should be natural), fingernail colors, etc. You do not want to distract from our message concerning conservation and animals.
• Tongue rings, nose rings, eyebrow rings. These are a potential safety issue in the zoo field, so they are not permitted at all and must be taken out during lab, tours or any zoo event.
• Earrings. One earring (small stud) per ear. No dangling or loop earrings are allowed, as they may be grabbed by the animals or caught on exhibit props. If you have plugs they must be solid.
• Necklaces. Dangling pendants, chokers or chains may be grabbed by the animals or caught in other ways. Do not wear any type of necklace while working in the zoo.
• Rings. Rings are actually quite dangerous to wear. You may wear one ring (total) but even that is not advisable, you may damage that finger if the ring is caught in exhibit materials or caught by an animal.
• Perfume or Cologne. Using perfume and cologne is discouraged. Some animals react adversely to these odors. Personal hygiene is important; always use deodorant daily but excessive use of perfume and cologne is discouraged.

Courses

Please look at the courses that are required for the Zoo Animal Technology program. This degree audit contains all classes, Zoo and General Education. Please note we are in the process of changing our curriculum. We will share the new curriculum as soon as it is available.

Zoo Animal Technology program Audit Course Listing

Here is the order of Zoo Animal Technology classes. General Education classes are not included because the order may vary depending on availability and previously completed classes. This chart includes the credit hour per course as well as the clock hours per week required for each class:

Tuition

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available. Please contact their office at 352-395-5480 or visit the Financial Aid website for more information. Here are some resources to get your started:

• sfcollege.edu/cte/cte-scholarships
• sfcollege.edu/advancement/scholarships
• sfcollege.edu/fa/ways-to-pay/scholarships
• sfcollege.edu/admissions/waivers-and-exemptions

Application Process

Please review the proper steps that need to be taken when applying for the Zoo Animal Technology program.

Step 1: Apply at SF College Office of Admission

1. Complete a Santa Fe College Application for Admission at sfcollege.edu/admissions. (Note: The Program application is separate from the SF Application. Acceptance by the college does not guarantee acceptance to the Zoo Animal Technology program.)
2. Send official transcripts from high school, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), High School Dual Enrollment and ALL post-secondary institutions to the Office of Registrar at Santa Fe College least one month prior to the Zoo Animal Technology program application deadline. (Note: Do not mail transcripts with your Zoo Animal Technology Application.) sfcollege.edu/registrar/college-transcript-evaluation/
   

   Santa Fe College
   Office of Registrar
   3000 NW 83rd St.
   Gainesville, FL 32606

3. Send ALL test scores from ALL placement tests: SAT, ACT, PERT, CLM to Santa Fe College. See the Testing section below for further information.
4. Please keep in mind that in order to be accepted into the Zoo Animal Technology program you must be prepared to take College Algebra (MAC 1105 or equivalent) and College Composition (ENC 1101 or equivalent). There are three ways to ensure you are prepared for these classes:
   • Take and pass College Algebra (MAC1105) and College Composition (ENC1101) at another college, receive course credit from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), High School Dual Enrollment.
   • Take and pass the prerequisites for these classes (MAT1033 for Math and ENC0025 for English)
   • OR have tested out of these classes. – See Testing section below for further information about required college placement testing or to be exempt from placement testing.

Step 2: Apply at Zoo Animal Technology program Office

1. It is not required, but highly suggested that you make an appointment to tour the Teaching Zoo. In order to make an appointment, please contact the Zoo receptionist at 352-395-5633, explain that you are a potential student and you would like a tour.
2. Download and print the Zoo Animal Technology program application on the right sidebar on top of this page. (Note: Please write clearly on application, as applicants will receive information via mail or email.)
3. Applications must be received no later than January 30, 2020 for August 2020 class consideration. Postmark dates will not be considered for timeliness of application. Late or incomplete paperwork will not be accepted.
4. Documentation of work experience, volunteer experience and military experience must accompany application. Postmark dates will not be considered for timeliness of application. Late or incomplete paperwork will not be accepted.
5. Applications will only be accepted for one admission cycle at a time. Applicants not selected for a particular admission cycle must reapply in order to be considered for the next cycle.
6. All transcripts must be sent to the Office of Registrar at Santa Fe College and be received by the application deadline
7. All test scores must be sent to the Office of Registrar at Santa Fe College
8. All application materials and documentation must be submitted together in one packet by mail or fax to:
   
   Advisor
   Zoo Animal Technology program
   Teaching Zoo
   Santa Fe College
   3000 NW 83rd St.
   Gainesville, FL 32606
   -OR- fax Number: 352 395-7365

Step 3:

A. View Applicant Important Dates Timeline to ensure proper submission of required documents.

Important Points to Remember

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all documents are complete and on file with the Zoo Animal Technology program office by the application deadline. Each document must clearly identify the applicant. This includes proof of volunteer service or relevant work experience. Incomplete, unsigned or unidentifiable documents are not eligible for selection points consideration.

Submitted documents will not be transferred or copied. Please retain all originals, as the Zoo Animal Technology office cannot make duplicates. Documents not required for selection purposes will be destroyed. All previously earned degrees or certificates must meet Santa Fe College accreditation standards in order to be considered for application or selection points. Santa Fe College expects all students to acquire or have access to the computer hardware and software necessary for program participation.

ALL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SENT TO THE OFFICE OF REGISTRAR AT SANTA FE COLLEGE.

Testing

Please keep in mind that if you are NOT transferring in an approved college level math class (i.e., College Algebra, College Statistics) then you must have already completed MAT 1033 (Intermediate Algebra) or tested out of it by the time you apply for the program. If you do not, you will not be able to start the program and must reapply.

If you have already taken placement testing (SAT, ACT, PERT and/or CLM) please make sure ALL of those scores are transferred to the Santa Fe College Office of Registrar. Here at SF, we use ACT or SAT scores to determine which math placement test you need to take (we have found that these tests describe current aptitude, but do not help decide where on the sequence a student should start). Here is the typical order of testing HOWEVER please check the following documents in order to determine your placement and appropriate testing options. If you have any questions please contact:

Program Advisor
Zoo Animal Technology
352 395-5604
ZooAdvisor@SFcollege.edu

If you have NOT taken any placement testing you can begin with the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). The result of the PERT will determine your next steps. Please see the Assessment/Course Placement Guide for more information about the PERT including test locations, and preparations.

If you are a First-Time-in College (freshman) degree seeking student with a minimum math test score of 440 (SAT), 24 (SAT), 19 (ACT), 123 (PERT), or 83 (CPT) then you must take the College Level Math (CLM) portion of the College Placement Test (CPT) to determine proper math placement. Please see the College Level Math (CLM) Exam for more information about taking the CLM.

Selection Process and Application Requirements

The Selection Criteria/Points System is used by the program to determine which applicants will receive an invitation to the program. Applicants will be ranked according to points earned. Graduates of high school animal technology programs and participants of targeted college programs may be eligible for additional points consideration. Overall post-secondary GPA will be used as primary tie-breaker criteria.

Selection Criteria / Points System - August 2020

This system is utilized for the incoming class of August 2020. Subject to change for future enrollment periods.

Overall Post-secondary GPA

The accumulation of the total post-secondary GPA from all accredited institutions, regardless of attainment of degree.

Previous degree

Any previous degree from an accredited institution.

General Education Courses Completed

Any combination of the following applicable general education courses

Volunteer/Work Experience

Related experience is any animal field: zoo, aquarium, shelter, pet store, farm, domestic animals, etc. All related volunteer and work experience must be concisely documented on official agency/organization stationery and signed by volunteer coordinator or supervisor. Incomplete documentation will not count toward points consideration

Military Service 5 points

Military Service points will be awarded to US Armed Forces active duty and honorably discharged veterans. Includes recent Reservist and National Guard combat deployments. DD-214 or proof of current service required. Minimum one year active duty service required.

Information in this packet is subject to change. It is the applicant's responsibility to check with the Zoo Animal Technology website for up-to-date requirements.

Potential Student Tour

Accepting an Invitation to the Program

Applicants will be notified of status by United States mail only. Date of notification will be posted on the Zoo Animal Technology webpage and Facebook. Applicants are strongly advised to verify their mailing address by logging on to eSantaFe. An incorrect address may result in delay of notification. No status information will be given over the telephone. To accept a position in the program, selected students must return the response form and complete all required TB (tuberculosis) screenings by established deadlines. Failure to do so may result in the loss of a seat in the program. Full acceptance to the program is based upon successful outcome of all screenings.

Cooperative Associate-Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare you for a career, but in some cases, it may transfer to a bachelor’s program. A.S. programs are a good balance of general education coursework and hands-on training with the end goal of preparing you to enter the workforce with a competitive skill set.

University of West Florida - Pensacola, Florida
uwf.edu/cse/departments/biology/undergradprograms/interdisciplinary Degree: B.S. Interdisciplinary
Sciences with Specialization in Zoo Science

Friends University - Wichita, Kansas
friends.edu/undergraduate/natural-science-mathematics/zoo-science
Degree: B.S. Zoo Science

Santa Fe College - Gainesville, Florida
sfcollege.edu/programs/5500
Degree: B.A.S. Organizational Management

For questions about the application process please contact the Zoo Animal Technology Program Advisor at:

ZooAdvisor@sfcollege.edu
Ph: 352-395-5604
fax:352-395-7365

Zoo Animal Technology Program
Teaching Zoo
Santa Fe College
3000 NW 83rd St.
Gainesville, FL 32606